U.S. patent application number 11/647846 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-03 for method for configuring a wireless communication device to operate in a wireless communication system through automatic sim pairing and associated wireless communication device.
Invention is credited to Salman I. Bhatti, Sherry Easter Dubin, David R. Heeschen, Jeffrey B. Shudark.
Application Number | 20080161050 11/647846 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39584769 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080161050 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shudark; Jeffrey B. ; et
al. |
July 3, 2008 |
Method for configuring a wireless communication device to operate
in a wireless communication system through automatic SIM pairing
and associated wireless communication device
Abstract
A wireless communication device performs a method for
automatically configuring itself to operate in a wireless
communication system managed by a system controller. The wireless
device includes an internal memory device containing a first memory
identifier associated with a first removable memory device and a
first user identifier associated with a user of the wireless
device. In one embodiment, the wireless device compares the first
memory identifier with a second memory identifier stored in a
removable memory device coupled to the wireless device, and
transmits a registration message including the second memory
identifier to the system controller if the first memory identifier
is different than the second memory identifier. The wireless device
receives a registration confirmation message including a second
user identifier associated with an expected user, and stores the
second memory identifier in the internal memory device if the
second user identifier matches the first user identifier.
Inventors: |
Shudark; Jeffrey B.;
(Cumming, GA) ; Bhatti; Salman I.; (Coral Springs,
FL) ; Dubin; Sherry Easter; (Orlando, FL) ;
Heeschen; David R.; (Coral Springs, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRINKLEY, MORGAN, SOLOMON, TATUM, etal.
200 E. LAS OLAS BLVD., SUITE 1900
FORT LAUDERDALE
FL
33301
US
|
Family ID: |
39584769 |
Appl. No.: |
11/647846 |
Filed: |
December 29, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/558 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 88/06 20130101;
H04W 12/72 20210101; H04W 12/35 20210101; H04W 60/04 20130101; H04W
8/183 20130101; H04W 88/02 20130101; H04W 12/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/558 |
International
Class: |
H04M 1/00 20060101
H04M001/00 |
Claims
1. A method of automatically configuring a wireless communication
device to operate in a wireless communication system that includes
a system controller, the wireless communication device including an
internal memory device and being operable with one of a plurality
of removable memory devices, the internal memory device having
stored therein at least a first memory identifier associated with a
first removable memory device and a first user identifier
associated with a user of the wireless communication device, the
system controller managing access to at least part of the wireless
communication system, the method comprising: comparing the first
memory identifier with a second memory identifier stored in a
removable memory device coupled to the wireless communication
device, the removable memory device being one of the first
removable memory device and a second removable memory device;
entering a restricted operating mode in the event the first memory
identifier is different than the second memory identifier;
transmitting a registration message that includes the second memory
identifier to the system controller in the event that the first
memory identifier is different than the second memory identifier;
receiving a registration confirmation message from the system
controller, the registration confirmation message including a
second user identifier associated with an expected user of the
wireless communication device; comparing the second user identifier
with the first user identifier; and ceasing operation in the
restricted operating mode and entering a normal operating mode in
the event that the second user identifier matches the first user
identifier.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of entering a restricted
operating mode further comprises: determining that the removable
memory device is not the first removable memory device.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: storing the second
memory identifier in the internal memory in the event that the
second user identifier matches the first user identifier.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the second memory identifier is
stored in place of the first memory identifier.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: continuing the
restricted operating mode in the event that the second user
identifier is different than the first user identifier.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the first removable memory device
is a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) and the first memory
identifier is a SIM identification; and further wherein the first
user identifier is an International Mobile Subscriber Identity
(IMSI).
7. A method of automatically configuring a wireless communication
device to operate in a wireless communication system that includes
a system controller, the wireless communication device including an
internal memory device and being operable with one of a plurality
of removable memory devices, the internal memory device having
stored therein at least a first memory identifier associated with a
first removable memory device and a first user identifier
associated with a user of the wireless communication device, the
system controller managing access to at least part of the wireless
communication system, the method comprising: comparing the first
memory identifier with a second memory identifier stored in a
removable memory device coupled to the wireless communication
device, the removable memory device being one of the first
removable memory device and a second removable memory device;
determining the removable memory device does not contain a user
identifier; transmitting a registration message that includes the
first memory identifier to the system controller; receiving a
registration confirmation message from the system controller, the
registration confirmation message including a second user
identifier associated with an expected user of the wireless
communication device; and storing the second user identifier in the
internal memory of the wireless communication device and in the
removable memory device.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the second user identifier is
stored in place of the first user identifier in the internal memory
of the wireless communication device.
9. A method for automatically configuring a wireless communication
device to operate in a wireless communication system that includes
a system controller, the wireless communication device including an
internal memory device and being operable with one of a plurality
of removable memory devices, the internal memory device having
stored therein at least a first memory identifier associated with a
first removable memory device and a first user identifier
associated with a user of the wireless communication device, the
system controller managing access to at least part of the wireless
communication system, the method comprising: comparing the first
memory identifier with a second memory identifier stored in a
removable memory device, the removable memory device being one of
the first removable memory device and a second removable memory
device; in the event that the first memory identifier does not
match the second memory identifier, entering a restricted operating
mode, determining whether the removable memory device includes a
user identifier, in the event that the removable memory device does
not include a user identifier, transmitting a registration message
to the system controller, the registration message including the
second memory identifier, receiving a registration confirmation
message from the system controller, the registration confirmation
message including a second user identifier, comparing the second
user identifier with the first user identifier, and ceasing the
restricted operating mode and entering a normal operating mode in
the event that the second user identifier matches the first user
identifier; and in the event that the first memory identifier
matches the second memory identifier, determining whether the
removable memory device includes a user identifier, in the event
that the removable memory device does not include a user
identifier, transmitting the registration message to the system
controller, receiving the registration confirmation message from
the system controller, and storing the second user identifier in
the internal memory and in the removable memory device.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: storing the second
memory identifier in the internal memory of the wireless
communication device in the event that the first memory identifier
does not match the second memory identifier and the second user
identifier matches the first user identifier.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the second memory identifier is
stored in place of the first memory identifier in the internal
memory of the wireless communication device.
12. The method of claim 9, further comprising: in the event that
the first memory identifier matches the second memory identifier
and the removable memory device includes a third user identifier,
comparing the first user identifier with the third user identifier
stored in the removable memory device; and entering a locked
operating mode in the event that the first user identifier does not
match the third user identifier.
13. The method of claim 9, wherein the second user identifier is
stored in place of the first user identifier in the internal memory
of the wireless communication device in the event that the first
memory identifier matches the second memory identifier, but the
removable memory device does not include a user identifier.
14. The method of claim 9, further comprising: entering a normal
operating mode in the event that the first memory identifier
matches the second memory identifier and the first user identifier
matches the second user identifier.
15. The method of claim 9, wherein the first removable memory
device is a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) and the first memory
identifier is a SIM identification; and further wherein the first
user identifier is an International Mobile Subscriber Identity
(IMSI).
16. A wireless communication device operable in a wireless
communication system managed at least in part by a system
controller, the wireless communication device comprising: an
internal memory device having stored therein at least a first
memory identifier associated with a first removable memory device
and a first user identifier associated with a user of the wireless
communication device; a removable storage media reader operable
with one of a plurality of removable memory devices; a processor
operably coupled to the internal memory device and the removable
storage media reader; a program memory for storing operating
instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the
processor to: compare the first memory identifier with a second
memory identifier stored in a removable memory device coupled to
the removable storage media reader, the removable memory device
being one of the first removable memory device and a second
removable memory device; enter a restricted operating mode in the
event the first memory identifier is different than the second
memory identifier; compare the first user identifier to a second
user identifier received from the system controller, the second
user identifier being associated with an expected user of the
wireless communication device; and cease operation in the
restricted operating mode and entering a normal operating mode in
the event that the second user identifier matches the first user
identifier; a transmitter, operably coupled to the processor, for
transmitting a registration message that includes the second memory
identifier to the system controller in the event that the first
memory identifier is different than the second memory identifier;
and a receiver, operably coupled to the processor, for receiving a
registration confirmation message from the system controller, the
registration confirmation message including the second user
identifier.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of
wireless communication systems and, more particularly, to a method
and apparatus for automatically configuring a wireless
communication device to operate in a wireless communication system
by pairing of a SIM card to be used with the wireless communication
device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] As the use of cellular and other wireless telephone
communications has become increasingly widespread, the number of
competing communication protocols and service providers has grown
tremendously. In the past, a typical service provider generally
maintained a network that operated using a single protocol (e.g.,
the code division multiple access (CDMA) 2000 1X protocol, the
Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) protocol, or
Motorola's iDEN.RTM. protocol). Therefore, to function properly
within the network, each cellular phone only had to support the
single operating protocol. However, with the passage of time, many
new protocols have been introduced. Additionally, several service
providers have merged with, or otherwise acquired, competing
services. As a result, many service providers now offer cellular
coverage over networks encompassing multiple protocols.
[0003] To obtain an optimal performance on these combined networks,
many cellular phones are designed to have multi-mode operation. For
instance, at least one company has offered phones using the
combination of GSM and CDMA2000 1X protocols for quite some time.
However, because most protocols are not designed to work in
conjunction with competing protocols, the integration of different
protocols into one phone is not necessarily seamless. For example,
the CDMA2000 1x protocol and Motorola's iDEN protocol have
contrasting methods of assigning a network identity or
identification (ID) to a subscriber.
[0004] CDMA systems were designed with a single end-user in mind.
Each subscriber is intended to possess and carry a single phone.
Thus, in a CDMA system, the subscriber ID (typically, although not
always, referred to as an International Mobile Subscriber Identity
(IMSI)) is associated with the phone hardware and is embedded
within the actual CDMA chipset of the phone. The CDMA account is
tied to the actual phone, not the user. If a user wishes to change
or upgrade phones, he/she must call the network operator and
request that the account be changed to another phone. The switch is
then made at the service provider and another IMSI or similar ID is
associated with the user.
[0005] In contrast to CDMA systems, Motorola's iDEN system and GSM
systems were designed to, among other things, fill the needs of a
business or service fleet, as in the case of the iDEN system, or
simply provide users flexibility when selecting and changing
phones, as in the case of GSM. Because the iDEN system incorporates
the capabilities of a two-way radio with those of a cellular phone,
the iDEN protocol has been a natural choice for the service
industry. However, the subscriber ID is not tied to a single phone
in an iDEN system or a GSM system. Instead, the subscriber ID,
which may be an IMSI or other appropriate ID, is stored within a
Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card that can be easily
transferred between phones. The SIM card also includes its own
unique ID (typically referred to as a "SIM ID"), which is
associated with the iDEN or GSM IMSI at the time the phone is
provisioned in the iDEN or GSM system, as applicable. When a user
wishes to change phones, all that is required is that the SIM card
be removed from the old phone and inserted into the new phone. Upon
power-up, the only information sent to the network is contained on
the SIM card. Because most businesses or service fleets depend upon
their employees having reliable phones at all time, this feature
allows the businesses to stock spare phones to have on hand in the
event that something happens to an employee's phone. In such case,
the employee merely inserts his/her old SIM card in the new phone
and is ready to talk immediately.
[0006] A problem arises when the CDMA protocol and either of the
iDEN protocol or the GSM protocol are deployed in the same phone.
Each protocol needs a subscriber ID in a corresponding format;
therefore, there are two subscriber IDs for each phone (e.g., one
IMSI for the CDMA protocol and another IMSI for the iDEN protocol
or the GSM protocol). However, because the iDEN or GSM ID is stored
in the SIM card and the CDMA ID is stored in the phone, the two ID
parts of the user's account are not linked together. So, if a user
of a dual-mode CDMA/iDEN or CDMA/GSM phone attempts to exchange SIM
cards with another phone, as existing iDEN and GSM phones allow,
the user's account will be split into two distinct parts. The
original handset will maintain the CDMA account, but the iDEN or
GSM account remains with the SIM card and can be accessed using
another phone. This scenario is particularly troublesome for
service fleets having a large number of customers because there is
ample opportunity to exchange SIM cards with other phones. Over
time, tracking of phone usage over the CDMA network for each
individual user could become virtually impossible for a business
owner due to the separation between CDMA and iDEN/GSM accounts.
[0007] To address the foregoing concern regarding CDMA phone usage
by multiple users of a dual mode CDMA/iDEN or CDAM/GSM phone,
verification processes have been implemented in an attempt to link
a particular SIM card with a specific phone and place the phone in
a locked mode if the verification fails. Linking of a SIM card to a
particular phone is referred to in the art as "pairing." However,
in order to use a dual-mode phone once it has failed the
verification process (e.g., due to the attempted use of a SIM card
in a dual-mode phone for which the SIM card has not been paired),
the user must call the service provider and obtain a pass code that
will unlock the phone. Generally, the phone is pre-programmed to
contain a master unlock code and a one-time use unlock code. Once
the one-time use unlock code has been entered successfully, it
expires and cannot be re-used. After that time, if the user has
additional verification or access problems, the service provider
must relay the master unlock code to the user. Service providers
dislike revealing the master unlock code as this can potentially
make the network vulnerable to hacking or theft.
[0008] Therefore, a need exists for, among other things, a method
and apparatus for configuring a wireless communication device
desired to be used by a user in possession of a SIM card to operate
in a wireless communication system by automatically pairing the SIM
card to the wireless communication device, to overcome the
shortcomings of the prior art.
SUMMARY
[0009] Generally, the present invention encompasses a wireless
communication device and a method for automatically configuring the
wireless communication device to operate in a wireless
communication system that includes a system controller for managing
access to the wireless communication system. In accordance with one
embodiment, the wireless communication device includes an internal
memory device that is operable, on a one-by-one basis, with several
different removable memory devices. A first memory identifier
(e.g., a SIM ID or other appropriate identifier) associated with a
first removable memory device (e.g., a SIM card or other insertable
or attachable memory device) and a first user identifier (e.g., an
IMSI or other appropriate identifier) associated with a user of the
wireless communication device are stored in the internal memory
device.
[0010] At power-up or any other appropriate time, the wireless
communication device compares the first memory identifier with a
second memory identifier stored in a removable memory device
coupled to the wireless communication device. The removable memory
device may be the first removable memory device or a different
removable memory device. In the event the first memory identifier
is different than the second memory identifier (i.e., the removable
memory device coupled to the wireless devices is not the removable
memory device corresponding to the memory identifier stored in the
wireless device's internal memory), the wireless communication
device enters a restricted operating mode and transmits a
registration message that includes the second memory identifier to
the system controller. Responsive to the registration message, the
wireless communication device receives a registration confirmation
message from the system controller which includes a second user
identifier associated with an expected user of the wireless
communication device. The wireless communication device compares
the second user identifier with the first user identifier and, in
the event that the second user identifier matches the first user
identifier, ceases operating in the restricted operating mode and
enters a normal operating mode. In one embodiment, the wireless
communication device enters the restricted operating mode upon
determining that the removable memory device is not the first
removable memory device. In another embodiment, the wireless
communication device may continue operating in the restricted mode
even though the second user identifier is different than the first
user identifier.
[0011] In an alternative embodiment, the wireless communication
device stores the second memory identifier in the internal memory
in the event that the second user identifier matches the first user
identifier. The second memory identifier may be stored separately
or in place of the first memory identifier.
[0012] In another embodiment, a wireless communication device
compares a first memory identifier associated with a first
removable memory device to a second memory identifier stored in a
removable memory device coupled to the wireless communication
device. The removable memory device may be the first removable
memory device or a different removable memory device. The wireless
communication device then determines whether the removable memory
device contains a user identifier and, if it doesn't, transmits a
registration message that includes the first memory identifier to
the system controller. After receiving a registration confirmation
message from the system controller that includes a second user
identifier associated with an expected user of the wireless
communication device, the wireless communication device stores the
second user identifier in the internal memory and in the removable
memory device. The second user identifier may be stored separately
or in place of the first user identifier in the internal memory of
the wireless communication device.
[0013] In another alternative embodiment, a wireless communication
device compares a first memory identifier associated with a first
removable memory device to a second memory identifier stored in a
removable memory device coupled to the wireless communication
device. The removable memory device may be the first removable
memory device or a different removable memory device. In the event
that the first memory identifier does not match the second memory
identifier, the wireless communication device enters a restricted
operating mode and, in response to further determining that the
removable memory device does not contain a user identifier,
transmits a registration message to the system controller that
includes the second memory identifier. Responsive to the
registration message, the wireless communication device receives a
registration confirmation message from the system controller that
includes a user identifier, and compares the received user
identifier with user identifier stored in internal memory. In the
event that the received user identifier matches the stored user
identifier, the wireless communication device ceases the restricted
operating mode and enters a normal operating mode. In the event
that the first memory identifier matches the second memory
identifier, but the removable memory device does not contain a user
identifier, the wireless communication device transmits a
registration message to the system controller, receives a
confirmation message containing a user identifier responsive
thereto, and stores the received user identifier in the internal
memory and in the removable memory device.
[0014] In a further embodiment, in the event that the first memory
identifier matches the second memory identifier and the removable
memory device includes a user identifier, the wireless
communication device compares the first user identifier with the
user identifier stored in the removable memory device and enters a
locked operating mode in the event that the user identifier stored
in the removable memory device does not match the first user
identifier.
[0015] In another alternative embodiment, a wireless communication
device stores in internal memory a second memory identifier stored
in a removable memory device coupled to the wireless communication
device in the event that a first memory identifier stored in the
internal memory of the wireless communication device does not match
the second memory identifier, but a second user identifier stored
in the removable memory device matches a first user identifier
stored in the wireless communication device's internal memory. The
second memory identifier may be stored in the wireless device's
internal memory separately or in place of the first memory
identifier. Alternatively, in the event that the first memory
identifier stored in the wireless device's internal memory matches
the second memory identifier stored in the removable memory device,
the second user identifier of the removable memory may be stored in
the internal memory of the wireless communication device either
separately or in place of the wireless device's first user
identifier in the event that the first user identifier does not
match the second user identifier. In this embodiment, the wireless
communication device enters a normal operating mode when the first
memory identifier matches the second memory identifier and the
first user identifier matches the second user identifier.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication system
incorporating a method for automatically configuring a wireless
communication device to operate in the wireless communication
system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a wireless
communication device according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0018] FIGS. 3-5 are logic flow diagrams illustrating steps
executed by a wireless communication device to implement a method
for automatically configuring the wireless communication device to
operate a wireless communication system in accordance with
exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments that are
in accordance with the present invention, it should be observed
that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of apparatus
components and processing steps related to implementing a method of
automatically configuring a wireless communication device to
operate in a wireless communication system. Accordingly, the
apparatus and method components have been represented where
appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only
those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the
embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the
disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description
herein.
[0020] In this document, relational terms, such as "first" and
"second," "top" and "bottom," and the like, are used solely to
distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element
without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical
relationship or order between such entities or elements. The terms
"comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof are
intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process,
method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements
does not include only those elements, but may include other
elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,
article, or apparatus. The term "plurality of" as used in
connection with any object or action means two or more of such
object or action. A claim element proceeded by the article "a" or
"an" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of
additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or
apparatus that includes the element.
[0021] The terms "wireless communication device," "portable
communication device," and "mobile communication device" are used
interchangeably herein and are intended to broadly cover many
different types of devices that can wirelessly receive signals, and
optionally can wirelessly transmit signals, and may also operate in
a wireless communication system. For example, and not by way of
limitation, a wireless, portable, or mobile communication device
may include any one or a combination of the following: a cellular
telephone, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a two-way radio, a
two-way pager, a wireless messaging device, a laptop or personal
computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless email
device, a portable gaming device including a built-in wireless
modem, and the like.
[0022] It will be appreciated that embodiments of the invention
described herein may be comprised of one or more conventional
processors and unique stored program instructions that control the
one or more processors to implement, in conjunction with certain
non-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions for
automatically configuring a wireless communication device to
operate in a wireless communication system as described herein. The
non-processor circuits may include, but are not limited to, a radio
receiver, a radio transmitter, signal drivers, clock circuits,
power source circuits, and user input devices. As such, these
functions maybe interpreted as steps of a method to automatically
configure the wireless communication device. Alternatively, some or
all functions could be implemented by a state machine that has no
stored program instructions, or in one or more application specific
integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each function or some
combinations of certain of the functions are implemented as custom
logic. Of course, a combination of the two approaches could be
used. Thus, methods and means for these functions have been
described herein. Further, it is expected that one of ordinary
skill, notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design
choices motivated by, for example, available time, current
technology, and economic considerations, when guided by the
concepts and principles disclosed herein will be readily capable of
generating such software instructions and programs and integrated
circuits (ICs) without undue experimentation.
[0023] Dual-mode cellular telephones are designed to operate over
networks using two independent communication protocols. In an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a dual-mode wireless
communication device operates using both CDMA and iDEN protocols.
Alternatively, a multi-mode wireless communication device may
operate using CDMA and GSM protocols, or any other two or more
protocols provided that at least one of the protocols utilizes a
removable memory device, such as a SIM card, to store an identifier
associated with a user of the wireless communication device in one
of the protocol modes. Each protocol requires a subscriber identity
configured according to the specific protocol standards. Problems
arise because one subscriber identity is linked to the wireless
communication device user (e.g., for the CDMA2000 1X protocol) and
another subscriber identity is linked to a removable memory device,
such as a SIM card (e.g., for the iDEN or GSM protocol). When the
SIM card is removed from the wireless communication device and
either the old card is inserted into a new wireless communication
device or a new card is inserted into the old wireless
communication device, the account is split, allowing communication
on a single account using two separate wireless communication
devices.
[0024] An embodiment of the present invention resolves this problem
by automatically pairing the identity of both the removable memory
device (e.g., a SIM card or any other portable memory device usable
with wireless communication devices) and the actual user account
with a specific wireless communication device in order to ensure
that the removable memory device remains with the wireless
communication device. Additionally the wireless communication
device is automatically re-paired to a different removable memory
device whenever the wireless communication device successfully
registers with a service provider. This automatic pairing feature
allows the user to change a removable memory device (e.g., in the
event the removable memory device is damaged or to upgrade to a
newer removable memory device) without losing personal data stored
on the removable memory device. Additionally, the wireless
communication device automatically re-pairs to a different user
account upon successful registration with a service provider, as
long as the removable memory device remains the same. This latter
feature allows the wireless communication device to automatically
update account numbers (e.g., in the event that the user moves to a
new region, the user leaves a job where the employer paid for
cellular service, etc.) without user intervention.
[0025] The present invention can be more readily understood with
reference to FIGS. 1-5, in which like reference numerals designate
like items. FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary wireless communication
system 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. The exemplary wireless communication system 100 connects
at least one multi-mode (e.g., dual mode) wireless communication
device 102 to other wireless communication devices and/or to other
networks, including wide-area networks 116 (e.g., the Internet), a
public switched-telephone network 118, and the like, via a
plurality of base stations 104, 106 (two shown). Each base station
104, 106 may operate using a specific communication standard or
protocol, or the base station 104, 106 may contain necessary
equipment to communicate using several different protocols. In the
exemplary wireless communication system 100 of FIG. 1, base station
"A" 104 communicates using the GSM protocol and base station "B"
uses the CDMA2000 1X protocol, although various other protocol
combinations may be used (e.g., CDMA2000 1X and iDEN, wideband CDMA
and GSM, or wideband CDMA and iDEN). Each base station 104, 106 is
managed by a site controller 108, 110 connected to other network
devices via a gateway 112, 114 or other appropriate infrastructure
device.
[0026] In one embodiment, the site controller 108 for base station
"A" 104 contains a radio frequency (RF) module 107 which transmits
and receives wireless signals containing digital information
encoded according to the GSM protocol, with a carrier frequency in
a range of frequencies designated by the GSM standard. RF signals
received by the GSM RF module 107 are downconverted and
demodulated, providing a stream of data formatted according to the
GSM protocol to a GSM decoder/encoder module 105. The GSM
decoder/encoder module 105 decodes the received data and a GSM data
manager 109 routes the information to a destination determined
according to information contained in the data. Upon power-up when
the wireless communication device 102 is setup to initially operate
using the GSM protocol, the wireless communication device 102
transmits a registration message requesting access to the
communication system 100. The message is routed to a GSM system
controller 103 which verifies the wireless communication device 102
is linked to a valid GSM account and authorizes or restricts the
use of the wireless communication device 102.
[0027] The site controller 110 for base station "B" 104 contains an
RF module 111 that transmits and receives wireless signals
containing digital information encoded according to the CDMA
protocol, with a carrier frequency within the range allocated for
CDMA systems. RF signals received by the CDMA RF module 111 are
downconverted and demodulated, providing a stream of data formatted
according to the CDMA protocol to a CDMA decoder/encoder module
113. The CDMA decoder/encoder module 113 decodes the received data
and a CDMA data manager 115 routes the information to a destination
determined by the data. Upon power-up when the wireless
communication device 102 is setup to initially operate using the
CDMA protocol, the wireless communication device 102 transmits a
CDMA system registration message requesting access to the
communication system 100. The decoded message is routed to a CDMA
system controller 117 which verifies that the wireless
communication device 102 is linked to a valid CDMA account and
authorizes or restricts the use of the wireless communication
device 102. In an alternative embodiment, both base stations 104,
106, or the single base station where such base station is
configured to operate using multiple protocols, may be controlled
by a single site controller and, accordingly, a single system
controller.
[0028] The wireless communication system 100 may comprise, inter
alia, a mobile phone network, a mobile text messaging network, a
paging network, a data network, or any combination thereof. The
communication standards or protocols of the wireless communication
system 100 may include any combination of conventional protocols or
multiple access techniques, including, without limitation, CDMA,
Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), GSM, Enhanced Data GSM
Environment (EDGE), iDEN, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS),
Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency
Division Multiplexing (OFDM), or the like. Additionally, the
wireless communication system 100 may further utilize media
messaging standards, such as Short Message Service (SMS), Enhanced
Messaging Service (EMS), Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), or the
like. The wireless communication system 100 may further allow for
push-to-talk or dispatch over cellular communications between
capable wireless communication devices.
[0029] The wireless communication system 100 supports any number of
wireless communication devices 102 and/or wireline communication
devices (e.g., personal or desktop computers). For example, the
wireless communication system 100 of FIG. 1 supports mobile
telephones, smart phones, text messaging devices, PDAs, handheld
computers, pagers, beepers, wireless communication cards (e.g.,
those operating in accordance with the Personal Computer Memory
Card International Association (PCMCIA) standard), handheld video
game systems incorporating wireless access technology, or the like.
A smart phone is a mobile telephone that has additional application
processing capabilities. For example, a smart phone may include a
combination of 1) a pocket PC, handheld PC, palm top PC, email
messaging device, or PDA, and 2) a mobile telephone.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 2, an electrical block diagram of an
exemplary wireless communication device 102, according to one
embodiment of the present invention, is shown in more detail. The
wireless communication device 102 includes a controller/processor
202, which controls the operation of the wireless communication
device 102 according to computer instructions stored in a program
memory 240. The wireless communication device 102 also includes a
non-volatile memory 230 and a main memory 238. A registration
manager 241, which is discussed in greater detail below, is
contained in the program memory 240.
[0031] In one embodiment, a removable storage media reader 231
transfers data between a removable memory device 232 (e.g., a SIM
card, a memory stick, a USB flash drive, or any other portable data
storage device) and the controller/processor 202. The removable
memory device 232 includes a memory identifier (ID) 234 (e.g., a
SIM ID or other analogous ID), which is a unique identifier
permanently stored in the removable memory device 232 during
manufacturing, and a user ID 236 (e.g., an IMSI or other analogous
ID), which identifies the wireless communication device subscriber
or user and his or her account within the communication system 100.
The user ID 236 is associated with the memory ID 234 by the system
controller 117 managing access to the GSM system upon the initial
registration of the wireless communication device 102. The system
controller 117 transmits the user ID 236 to the wireless
communication device 102 for storage in the removable memory device
232. In an alternative embodiment where a single base station is
configured to operate using multiple protocols, a single system
controller, managing access to accounts operable using multiple
protocols, associates the user ID 236 with the memory ID 234 and
transmits the user ID 236 to the wireless communication device
102.
[0032] Additionally, the main memory 238, in one embodiment,
includes the program memory 240 and a data memory 242. The data
memory 242 contains a memory ID 244 corresponding to the last
removable memory device 232 paired with the wireless communication
device 102 and a user ID 246 (e.g., IMSI) corresponding to the user
ID 236 stored on the last paired removable memory device 232. The
data memory 242 also contains a communication device ID 248, such
as an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI), which
uniquely identifies each wireless communication device 102.
Additionally, the data memory 242 may contain other identifiers
(not shown) associated with additional protocols.
[0033] In one embodiment, the wireless communication device 102
contains at least two complete RF modules 204, 212 designed to
operate in frequency bands designated by the communication
protocols of the wireless communication device 102. The wireless
communication device 102 transmits and receives signals for
enabling wireless communication, such as for a cellular telephone,
in a well-known manner. For example, when the wireless
communication device 102 is in a "receive" mode using a first
communication protocol (e.g., a CDMA protocol), the
controller/processor 202 operates a first RF module 204, which
couples an RF signal from a first antenna 201 to a first receiver
206 in a well known manner. The first receiver 206 receives,
down-converts, and demodulates the RF signal, providing a stream of
data to a first protocol decoder/encoder module 210. The first
decoder/encoder module 210 decodes the received data according to
the framework of the first protocol, and the controller/processor
202 outputs the data to a user in a prescribed manner. For example,
audio signals are routed through an audio controller 224 to a
speaker 226 or other audio device (e.g., a Bluetooth headset or
earpiece). Additionally, received textual or image data is
presented to the user on a display screen 222.
[0034] Likewise, when the wireless communication device 102 is in a
"receive" mode using a second communication protocol (e.g., a GSM
protocol), the controller/processor 202 operates a second RF module
212, which couples an RF signal from a second antenna 211 to a
second receiver 214 in a well known manner. The second receiver 214
receives, down-converts, and demodulates the RF signal, providing a
stream of data to a second protocol decoder/encoder module 218. The
second decoder/encoder module 218 decodes the received data
according to the framework of the second protocol, and the
controller/processor 202 outputs the data to a user in a prescribed
manner. The receive operational sequence is generally under the
control of the controller/processor 202 operating in accordance
with computer instructions stored in the program memory 240, in a
well-known manner.
[0035] In a "transmit" mode, the controller/processor 202 (e.g.,
responding to a user input into a user interface 220, such as
selection of one or more keys from a keypad or depression of a
push-to-talk button), manages the audio controller 224 and couples
electronic audio signals from an audio transducer, such as a
microphone 228, to a decoder/encoder module 210, 218, where the
audio signals are converted to an encoded data stream for
transmission according to the appropriate communication protocol
(e.g., CDMA or GSM). The controller/processor 202 enables the
corresponding transmitter circuit 208, 216, which modulates the
encoded data onto an RF carrier signal, couples the signal through
the antenna 201, 211, and transmits the signal through the wireless
communication network 100 in a manner well-known in the art.
[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary logic flow diagram 300
executed by a wireless communication device 102 to implement a
method of automatically configuring the wireless communication
device 102 to operate in a wireless communication system 100 in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The
wireless communication device 102, according to one embodiment, is
a cellular phone.
[0037] For purposes of discussing exemplary embodiments of the
present invention, the wireless communication device 102 is
identified as a cellular phone occasionally below and in FIGS. 3-5,
although any portable communication device may be alternatively
employed. Additionally, the removable memory device 232 is
identified as a SIM or SIM card; however, other removable memory
devices (e.g., a memory stick, a USB flash drive, or any other
portable data storage device) may be function equally well.
Further, the user ID, whether stored in the removable memory device
232 or in the data memory 242, is identified as an IMSI, although
any similar ID maybe alternatively used. Still further, the memory
ID (e.g., memory ID 234) for a particular removable memory device
(e.g., removable memory device 232) is identified as a SIM ID to
coincide with use of a SIM card as the exemplary removable storage
media 232. The use herein of a SIM card, a SIM ID, and an IMSI to
describe an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is solely
to enhance readability of the detailed description and should not
be construed as any intent to limit the scope of the present
invention as set forth in the appended claims. As discussed above,
any other appropriate identifiers representing a user account and a
removable memory device may be used in place of the IMSI and SIM
ID. Similarly, various other portable storage devices may be used
in place of a SIM card.
[0038] The logic flow begins when a user of the wireless
communication device 102 initiates (302) a power-up sequence for
the wireless communication device 102 (e.g., by pressing a button
on the user interface 220). During power up, the registration
manager 241 determines (304) whether identity pairing is enabled on
the wireless communication device 102.
[0039] If pairing is not enabled, the wireless communication device
102 operates according to prior art methods by linking account
information to a SIM card 232 coupled to the wireless communication
device 102 and allowing the wireless communication device 102 to be
used with any SIM card 232 that is associated with a valid account.
In this case, the registration manager 241 determines (306) whether
the SIM card 232 has been previously registered. If the SIM card
232 has been previously registered, an IMSI 236 associated with the
user is currently stored on the SIM card 232. Otherwise, the SIM
card 232 only contains a SIM ID 234. If the SIM card 232 has been
previously registered, the registration manager 241 causes the
wireless communication device 102 to transmit (308) to system
controller 103 (i.e., the system controller managing the portion of
the wireless communication system 100 with which the SIM card 232
is used) a registration message containing the IMSI 236 stored on
the SIM card 232. The wireless communication device 102 then enters
(313) a normal or substantially unrestricted operating mode.
[0040] If pairing is not enabled and the SIM card 232 has never
been registered, the registration manager 241 causes the wireless
communication device 102 to transmit (310) to system controller 103
a registration message containing the SIM ID 234 stored on the SIM
card 232. System controller 103 receives the SIM ID 234, associates
the SIM ID 234 with the appropriate user account information, and
transmits account information, including an IMSI, back to the
wireless communication device 102. Registration is completed when
the wireless communication device 102 receives (312) the IMSI 236
and stores it in the SIM card 232. The wireless communication
device 102 then enters (313) a normal operating mode.
[0041] However, if pairing is enabled, the registration manager 241
determines (314) whether the wireless communication device 102 has
been previously paired. If the wireless communication device 102
has been previously paired, then both a SIM ID 244 and an IMSI 246
are currently present in the data memory 242 of the wireless
communication device 102. In this case, the registration manager
241 executes (324) a pairing routine, such as the pairing routine
detailed below with respect to FIG. 4.
[0042] If the wireless communication device 102 has not been
previously paired, the registration manager 241 determines (315)
whether the SIM card 232 contains an IMSI 236. If the SIM card 232
contains an IMSI 236 (e.g., the SIM card 232 has successfully
registered with system controller 103 at a prior date), the
registration manager 241 causes the wireless communication device
102 to transmit (326) a registration message containing the IMSI
236 stored on the SIM card 232 to system controller 103. If the
wireless communication device 102 successfully registers (328) with
system controller 103 (e.g., as evidenced by receipt of an
appropriate registration confirmation from system controller 103),
then the registration manager 241 stores (320) the IMSI 236 in the
data memory 242 of the wireless communication device 102 and in the
SIM card 232, and stores the SIM ID 234 of the SIM card 232 in the
data memory 242 of the wireless communication device 102. The
wireless communication device 102 then enters (322) a normal
operating mode. The wireless communication device 102 is now paired
to the current SIM card 232 and will not function with any other
SIM card without first being unpaired with the SIM card 232 and
re-paired with another SIM card.
[0043] However, if the wireless communication device 102 does not
successfully register with system controller 103, then the wireless
communication device 102 enters (330) a locked mode of operation.
During the locked mode, the wireless communication device 102 may
be severely restricted in use. For example, in the locked mode, the
wireless communication device 102 may be entirely inoperable or may
be restricted to only permitting phone calls to certain numbers
(e.g., emergency 911 calls or calls to the service provider). The
wireless communication device 102, in one embodiment, may not be
allowed to exit the locked mode without performing a master reset
through the use of a security code obtained from the service
provider.
[0044] Referring back to decision block 315, if the SIM card 232
does not contain an IMSI, then the registration manager 241 causes
the wireless communication device 102 to transmit (316) a
registration message containing the SIM ID 234 stored on the SIM
card 232 to system controller 103. System controller 103 receives
the SIM ID 234, associates the SIM ID 234 with the appropriate user
account information, and transmits account information, including
an IMSI, back to the wireless communication device 102. The
wireless communication device 102 receives (318) the IMSI and,
through operation of the registration manager 241, stores (320) the
IMSI in both the SIM card 232 and the data memory 242, and stores
the SIM ID 244 in the data memory 242. The wireless communication
device 102 is now paired to the current SIM card 232 and enters
(322) a normal operating mode.
[0045] Referring back to decision block 314, if the wireless
communication device 102 has previously been paired to a SIM card
232, the registration manager 241 executes the exemplary pairing
routine 324 illustrated by the logic flow diagram of FIG. 4.
Pursuant to the pairing routine, the registration manager 241
compares (401) both the SIM ID 234 and the IMSI 236 stored on the
SIM card 232 to the corresponding SIM ID 244 and IMSI 246 stored in
the data memory 242 of the wireless communication device 102.
[0046] If the SIM IDs 234, 244 match (402), then the current SIM
card 232 is the same card with which the wireless communication
device 102 had previously been paired. The registration manager 241
then checks (404) to see if the IMSIs 236, 246 match. If the IMSIs
match, then nothing has been changed since the last time the phone
102 was registered, so the registration manager 241 instructs the
phone 102 to enter (420) a normal operating mode.
[0047] However, if the IMSIs 236, 246 do not match, then the
registration manager 241 determines (406) whether the SIM card 232
contains an IMSI. If the SIM card 232 does contain an IMSI 236,
then the SIM card 232 has previously been paired with a different
wireless communication device, so the wireless communication device
102 enters (410) a locked operating mode as described above with
respect to block 330 of FIG. 3.
[0048] Referring back to decision block 406, if the SIM card 232
does not contain an IMSI, then the SIM card 232 is most likely a
brand new card that has never been registered with system
controller 103. In this case, the registration manager 241 causes
the wireless communication device 102 to register with the system
controller 103 by transmitting (414) a registration message that
includes the SIM ID 234. The wireless communication device 102
receives (416) a registration confirmation message back from system
controller 103 that includes an IMSI. The registration manager 241
then stores (418) the new IMSI on the SIM card 232 and in the data
memory 242, and the wireless communication device 102 proceeds to
enter (420) a normal or substantially unrestricted operating mode.
The new IMSI may replace the IMSI stored in the data memory 242
which was previously associated with a user account.
[0049] Referring back to decision block 402, if the user of the
wireless communication device 102 wishes to upgrade or replace his
or her SIM card 232, then the SIM IDs will not match when the new
SIM card is inserted into the wireless communication device 102. If
the SIM IDs do not match, then the registration manager 241 causes
the wireless communication device 102 to execute (408) a
non-matching SIM ID routine, which routine is illustrated in
exemplary form by the logic flow of FIG. 5. To execute the
exemplary non-matching SIM ID routine, the wireless communication
device 102 is placed (502) in a restricted operating mode by the
registration manager 241. In the restricted mode, the phone 102 may
only place calls to certain numbers (e.g., emergency 911 numbers or
the service provider). The registration manager 241 determines
(504) whether the SIM card 232 contains an IMSI 236. If the SIM
card 232 does not contain an IMSI, the registration manager 241
causes the wireless communication device 102 to transmit (506) a
registration message to system controller 103 that includes the SIM
ID 234 stored in the new SIM card 232. The wireless communication
device 102 receives (508) a registration confirmation message back
from the system controller 103 that includes an IMSI. The
registration manager 241 then compares (510) the IMSI received in
the registration confirmation message to the IMSI 246 stored in the
data memory 242 of the phone 102. If the new IMSI is the same as
the IMSI 246 previously stored in the data memory 242, the
registration manager 241 re-pairs the wireless communication device
102 to the new SIM card 232 by storing (514) the SIM ID 234 of the
new SIM card 232 in the data memory 242. The SIM ID 234 of the new
SIM card 232 replaces the SIM ID corresponding to the SIM card
previously paired to the wireless communication device 102 and
stored in the data memory 242. The wireless communication device
102 then enters (516) a normal operating mode. However, if the
received IMSI does not match the IMSI 246 stored in the data memory
242, the registration manager 241 places (512) the wireless
communication device 102 in a locked operation mode, which may not
be exited until the user enters an unlock code provided by a
representative of the service provider.
[0050] Referring back to decision block 504, if the SIM card 232
does contain an IMSI 236, then the registration manager 241
determines (518) whether the IMSI 236 contained in the SIM card 232
matches the IMSI 246 stored in the data memory 242. If the IMSIs
236, 246 do not match, the registration manager 241 places (524)
the wireless communication device 102 in a locked mode of
operation. However, if the IMSIs 236, 246 match, then the
registration manager 241 attempts to register by causing the
wireless communication device 102 to transmit (520) a message to
system controller 103 that includes the IMSI 236. If the
registration is successful (522), the wireless communication device
102 re-pairs to the new SIM card 232 by storing (514) the new SIM
ID 234 in the data memory 242. If the registration is unsuccessful
(522), the wireless communication device 102 enters (524) a locked
operating mode that may not be removed until the user enters a
security code furnished by the service provider.
[0051] As described above, the present invention encompasses a
dual-mode wireless communication device and a method of operation
for automatically configuring the wireless communication device to
operate in a wireless communication system. The wireless
communication device includes an internal memory device and is
operable with one of a plurality of removable memory devices. With
the present invention, a user may automatically upgrade his or her
SIM card or change account numbers without forcing the service
provider to reveal an unlock code. Additionally, an embodiment of
the present invention prevents components of a subscriber's account
from accidentally, or intentionally, being split to allow
communication access to a single account from more than one
wireless communication device.
[0052] In the foregoing specification, the present invention has
been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one
of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various
modifications and changes may be made without departing from the
spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the
appended claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to
be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and
all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope
of the present invention.
[0053] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have
been described above with regard to specific embodiments of the
present invention. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to
problems, and any element(s) that may cause or result in such
benefits, advantages, or solutions to become more pronounced are
not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature
or element of any or all the claims. The invention is defined
solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during
the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those
claims as issued.
* * * * *